"Intro to the Family Matters Blog" - Authored by Manny Segarra, Esq.
I've been practicing law in the State of Florida for over two (2) decades now and find myself at this point in life focusing my practice strictly in the area of matrimonial and family law. My path to the practice area of family law wasn't a straight one. I worked as a Prosecutor for eight (8) years after law school (you can see my complete bio on the website if you so desire). Great job and most people thought that it was a noble position. Problem was (like most government jobs) the financial compensation did not reflect the amount of work that was put in. So, God bless all my friends and colleagues who are able to stick it out in the governmental sector, because you ladies / gents have a daily impact on all of our lives, and for that I am grateful. However, as a single Dad, I had to put the needs of my family first. So, I hung up my own shingle and embarked on the path of owning my own law firm.
I then chose the practice area of family law. When I tell my family and friends (especially the ones who are attorneys) that I practice family law, there initial reaction is usually like “I don't know how you do it,” with the obligatory eye roll. Then there is some comment to the extent of “I don't know how you can deal with all of THOSE people and all of THAT drama.” Then of course they gratefully accept my business card in the event family law clients come walking into their office (and I'm pretty sure deep down, just in case if you know what happens to them). Well, I guess that's kind of the point. I really like helping people and bearing witness (and at times being an active participant in) to the stories. During the course of family law cases (you know divorces, paternity suits, child support and the like) you see people at their proverbial best and sometimes at their reprehensible worst. Then what usually occurs are events that are mind boggling, disturbing, stressful, nonsensical, disastrous and at the same time heart-warming and fulfilling. Almost like your favorite soap opera with some Jerry Springer and Maurey Povich sprinkled in as well as a touch of your average Sunday family gatherings, all rolled up into one.
Now, to the point of this blog. The goal is to provide you some insight and informational tidbits about “Family Law Matters.” Notice, I didn't say to provide you or your family / friends with legal theories on matrimonial and family law and / or step-by-step instructions on how to litigate your current ongoing divorce (or family) case on your own. If you have a family court case pending and you can afford attorney, PLEASE get one. My heart always goes out to the brave souls who try to march through the family court system pro se (representing themselves) trying to match wits with seasoned attorneys with years of litigation experience under their belts. It is a individual's absolute right to represent themselves, but often times they are like sheep heading into the slaughter. They are generally overwhelmed by a tangled web of family law procedure and a system backlogged with a high volume of cases managed by overworked (and underappreciated) judges and judicial staffs.
Instead, I will humbly offer some food for thought that hopefully proves useful tidbits regarding different family law topics / issues from the perspective of someone that happens to work in the Family Court System every day. I will be expressing my opinions and you are welcome to express yours by submitting your comments. The only rule, is the Golden Rule. Treat everyone with respect and how you would like to be treated. We can all disagree but there is no need to be disagreeable. I will make a conscious effort to respond to as many comments posted on the blog as possible.
Attorney Manny Segarra has been a member of the Florida Bar for over twenty (20) years and practices exclusively in Matrimonial and Family Law. Prior to opening the law firm Segarra & Associates, P.A., Manny was a prosecutor in the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office where he was assigned to the Domestic Crimes Unit and prosecuted serious crimes including homicides, attempted homicides, kidnappings, arsons, child abuse and sexual battery cases. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2000.
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